As winter arrives, our thoughts inevitably turn to Christmas and, naturally, this is the perfect month in which to explore the world's waterways. We have a fantastic selection of river cruises in December, visiting Christmas markets, festivities and all-around wintery fun during a sailing. Take a look at our best December cruises and see why this festive period is perfect for visiting the banks of the Danube, Rhine and more.
Why not head to Northern Europe and visit some of the continent’s most stunning Christmas Markets? Cities such as Cologne, Budapest and Strasbourg feature some of the world's best Christmas Markets and a river cruise is an ideal way to visit them.
Christmas Markets River Cruises
December is also the ideal time of year to escape the cold weather and head east to the exotic waterways of China, Vietnam, or Cambodia, where the riverbanks of these regions are hot, sunny and humid - the perfect place to escape the winter blues back home! Take a look at river cruises in December for the Mekong, for a taste of tropical temperatures.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Seine
Save up to 40% on 2025 sailings
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
9 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Douro
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
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7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Seine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine, Moselle
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
Secure your dream getaway and experience unforgettable adventures with savings of up to 50%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterways
Save up to 40% on 2025 sailings
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine
Save up to 40% on 2025 sailings
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Nile
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Nile
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Nile
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Nile
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube, Rhine
20 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube, Rhine
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube, Rhine
20 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube, Rhine
12 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Main
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
9 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Douro
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Seine
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Nile
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
